Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT Geneva Saturday, November 10, 2018 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1960
    Reference No: 6234
    Case No: 530'446
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 72A, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 200mm
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: With Rolex presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Production of reference 6234 was relatively limited due to the model's short manufacture period. Since the reference’s launch in 1955, the model featured a variety of case and dial combinations. In production for a very short time, Rolex ceased production in 1961 and replaced it with the reference 6238. Fitted with a smooth bezel, the tachymeter scale is most notably printed on the dial - a feature shared with its successor, reference 6238.

    The present watch, cased in stainless steel, is preserved in overall excellent condition. It features a charismatic dial that has aged gracefully over time to a warm silver/ivory tone. The luminous dots remain intact and have aged with warm patina. Furthermore, the case retains its crisp edges and facets.

  • Artist Biography

    Rolex

    Swiss • 1905

    Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.

    One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.

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Ref. 6234
A rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet

Circa 1960
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF25,000 - 40,000 
€22,000-35,200
$25,600-41,000

Sold for CHF87,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+41 22 317 81 89
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT

Geneva Auction 10-11 November 2018